Finding Purpose Beyond our Pain by Paul Meier, MD and David Henderson, MD

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain -

Uncover the hidden potential in life's most common struggles

Written by Paul Meier, MD and David L. Henderson, MD

Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers

ISBN:  978-0-7852-2922-3

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=229220&item_code=WW&netp_id=613953&event=ESRCN&view=details

In compliance with new FTC regulations, I am disclosing that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am a proud and grateful member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers.

http://www.brb.thomasnelson.com/

When I requested to review this book from the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers website, I thought this would be an easy review.  I thought of myself as mostly recovered from the pain my life experiences had caused.  My oldest daughter was in a rehabilitation hospital after almost losing her life in a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend.  She lost her left leg and was burned over forty percent of her body.  But hey, she survived.  No problem, I can review this book!

I then went through yet another series of events that effectively knocked me in the pit.  I could not see my way out, period.  I did not understand why I was going through these things after I had already been through so much!  I was angry with God.  Why?  Yet in all of this, I begged God to give me perspective.  In fact, I believe that short prayer is on this blogsite. 

I then received this book in the mail. 

I didn't see it at first, but in going through the book, reading a few chapters here and there, I began to see God working through my pain and grief.  I read through the practical application points at the end of the sections that I felt related to my experiences.  I then took time to journal the my answers to the questions also located at the end of the section, building a foundation of the truth found in God's Word concerning my situation. 

I was gaining perspective.  My emotional wounds were beginning to heal.  I rejoiced in the smallest of victories and realized that God is indeed our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.  I know, that is in the Psalms.  Right now I just cannot remember the exact chapter and verse!

I don't normally conduct my book reviews this way.  I also USUALLY stick to my passion:  Christian Fiction.  Anything else is...well....work.  (HA)

At this point I will attempt to be a bit more professional.  Drs Meier and Henderson divided the book into seven sections.  Each section expounds on one of the seven most common life challenges as identified by Drs Meier and Henderson.  They are:

1) Injustice

2) Rejection

3) Loneliness

4) Loss

5) Discipline

6) Failure

7) Death

As I said before, at the end of each section there are a few pages that contain practical application points to consider, as well as questions to apply what you have just learned to your own situation.

I also enjoyed the stories in each chapter.  While the doctors point the reader back to God's truth, they are never preachy or condescending.

I believe this book should be on the shelves of every pastor and Christian counselor.  I was not expecting this book to have such an impact on my own life. 

I apologize again for the lack of professionalism.  While I deliberately left out the details of my situation (other than my daughter) I wanted to explain the personal impact this book had on my situation.